HALEBANK'S status as a self-contained community could be set in stone if a major petition to secure a parish council for the area proves a success.

Halebankers claim it would open the doors to a 'bright future' in which they would have a bigger say in their own affairs, and could even apply for funding to build on new developments which are pulling the area out of the 'doldrums'.

They claim the move would also mean the area being given 'village' status which befits an 'isolated' community between Widnes and Hale.

The villagers are upbeat about the prospects for the request being granted and have received words of support from Cllr Peter Lloyd-Jones, Ditton ward councillor and Mayor of Halton.

If permission is granted parish council members would be elected during next year's local elections.

The petition, which has more than 500 names - almost half the Halebank population - was presented to Cllr Lloyd-Jones on Tuesday morning.

Halebank resident Bernie Allen said: 'To us this would be a new era. We are now looking at the fact that we have got a new primary care health centre, the church and the youth club are being refurbished, and now we have got Barratt looking to build new homes on the Asda site which we need to attract young families to the area. Many of the things we have wanted are taking shape.

'We are looking to progress what has been started with the medical centre and Co-op district centre which has expanded once already and is also benefiting Hale Village.

'It will be an opportunity for the people of Halebank to forge the future for themselves and see if we can move on.

'We have been in the doldrums for many years, but now there is light at the end of the tunnel. It has taken time for us to recover but there are brighter days ahead.

'With the formation a parish council we would be self contained, we would have our own independence and more say in our own affairs.

'Even if the main decisions are still made by the council we will have a voice of our own and more autonomy.'